The Vole -- Canalside Apartments

During the middle of the last decade when BW was selling off canal side properties for residential development, (the dash for cash era... Matt), little did it realise the trouble this would bring for AV(2010)PLC in later years. A pattern has developed which appears to be common amongst all these developments.

Initially all is well, but then the original occupants move out and these incoming "2nd generation" owners object to boats mooring or even, in some cases, using the canal in front of their property. The redeveloped basin in Loughborough has had it's problems and the running of engines and lighting of solid fuel stoves has been banned following action by the local canalside residents association.

Recently an open meeting was held to discuss, an old chestnut, the Visitor Mooring at Market Bosworth on the Ashby Canal. The meeting droned on and on until a lady resident from the apartments opposite stood up and shouted, "How would you like those things (boats?) in your front garden.?"

A chappie purporting to represent ABO (Angry Boaters Owners) was on his feet like a shot and replied.. Madam I have 4 observations:-

Firstly.. You live in a flat and don't have a front garden.

Secondly... The canal was there some 200 years before your flat.

Thirdly.... I recommend that the lady really ought to employ a competent solicitor before she buys property again or at least visits an optician.

Fourthly... The fourth observation was never heard.

Pandemonium broke out and the gathered press rushed off to write their copy...

AV(2010)PLC is in a difficult position. On the one hand it would like to sell off it's property dowry left it after privatisation, but on the other it can't ignore the view of boaters. After Castlemill in 2006 boaters have been more and more prepared to use direct action. This panicked BW then and continues to alarm AV now. This type of protest could cost AV a lot of money whilst generating negative publicity by the bucket full. A lose, lose situation if there ever was one.

So who benefits from these developments ?
Primarily the developers of course (profits), then the first occupiers of the properties, who stand to make a tidy profit when it comes to selling. AV(2020)PLC directors and senior staff (bonuses), shareholders (dividends) and finally boaters.

However, boaters only benefit if the money is re-invested in the canal system and what guarantee is there that that will happen ? None whatsoever.

In the mean time boaters may lose from loss of amenities, and even loss of right of way if action is not taken.